Nonylcyclohexylphosphite ester polyolefin stabilizers

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses mono-, bis- and tris-nonylcyclohexylphosphite esters, polyolefin compositions stabilized against the deleterious effects of melt processing, heat aging and exposure to combustion products of natural gas which comprise the nonylcyclohexylphosphite esters as stabilizers, and a process towards stabilizing polyolefin compositions by incorporating in or applying thereto the nonylcyclohexylphosphite esters.

This application claims benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. provisional application No. 60/557,231, filed Mar. 29, 2004.

The present invention is aimed at mono-, bis- and tris-nonylcyclohexylphosphite esters and a method for stabilizing polyolefins therewith.

BACKGROUND

Organic phosphorus compounds are well known polymer process stabilizers. For Example, Plastics Additives Handbook, 4^(th) Ed., R. Gaechter, H. Mueller, Eds., 1993, pages 40-71, discusses the stabilization of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE).

Known phosphite and phosphonite stabilizers include for example triphenyl phosphite, diphenyl alkyl phosphites, phenyl dialkyl phosphites, tris(nonylphenyl) phosphite, trilauryl phosphite, trioctadecyl phosphite, distearyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite, bis(2,4-di-α-cumylphenyl) pentaerythrtitol diphosphite, diisodecyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite (D), bis(2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite (E), bisisodecyloxy-pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite, tristearyl sorbitol triphosphite, tetrakis (2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) 4,4′-biphenylene-diphosphonite (H), 6-isooctyloxy-2,4,8,10-tetra-tert-butyl-dibenzo[d,f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepin (C), 6-fluoro-2,4,8,10-tetra-tert-butyl-12-methyl-dibenzo[d,g][1,3,2]dioxaphosphocin (A), bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl) methyl phosphite, bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl) ethyl phosphite (G), 2,2′,2″-nitrilo[triethyltris(3,3′5,5′-tetra-tert-butyl-1,1′-biphenyl-2,2′-diyl)phosphite] (B), bis(2,4-di-t-butylphenyl) octylphosphite, poly(4,4′-{2,2′-dimethyl-5,5′-di-t-butylphenylsulfide-}octylphosphite), poly(4,4′{-isopropylidenediphenol}-octylphosphite), poly(4,4′-{isopropylidenebis[2,6-dibromophenol]}-octylphosphite), poly(4,4′-{2,2′-dimethyl-5,5′-di-t-butylphenylsulfide}-pentaerythrityl diphosphite),

Known organic phosphorus stabilizers are also disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,541,549 and U.S. Pat. app. No. 2003/0096890.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,756,906 discloses phosphite esters as stabilizers for polyester-reinforced rubbers.

SUMMARY

Disclosed are mono-, bis- and tris-nonylcyclohexylphosphite esters of the formula I, II, III or IV

-   -   where R and R′ are independently straight or branched chain         alkyl of from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, or R and R′ together form a         5 or 6 membered ring, where the carbon atoms of said ring are         unsubstituted or substituted by one or two straight or branched         chain alkyl groups of from 1 to 24 carbon atoms.

Also disclosed is a polyolefin composition stabilized against the deleterious effects of melt processing, heat aging and exposure to combustion products of natural gas, which composition comprises

-   -   at least one polyolefin and     -   an effective stabilizing amount of one or more mono-, bis- or         tris-nonylcyclohexylphosphite esters of the formula I, II, III         or IV.

Also subject of this invention is a process for stabilizing a polyolefin composition against the deleterious effects of melt processing, heat aging and exposure to combustion products of natural gas, which process comprises

-   -   incorporating into or applying to said polyolefin composition an         effective stabilizing amount of one or more mono-, bis- or         tris-nonylcyclohexylphosphite esters of the formula I, II, III         or IV.         Detailed Disclosure

Nonylcyclohexanol is available for example via catalytic hydrogenation of nonylphenol (CAS#25154-52-3). Nonylphenol is a technical grade mixture of monoalkyl phenols, predominately para substituted. The alkyl chains are isomeric branched-alkyl groups. The manufacture of nonylphenol is disclosed for example in Faith, Keyes and Clark,s Industrial Chemicals, F. A. Lowenheim, M. K. Moran, Eds., Wiley-Interscience, New York, 4^(th) ed., 1975, pp. 575-578. See Merck Index 11,6599.

Tris-nonylcyclohexylphosphite is prepared by reacting three equivalents of nonylcyclohexanol with phosporus trichloride in the absence of oxygen, for example under a nitrogen atmosphere, and in the presence of an acid scavenger such as triethylamine.

The mono- and bis-nonylcyclohexylphosphite esters are likewise prepared by known methods using nonylcyclohexanol and appropriate other alkyl alcohol(s).

Esters of the formula I are for example

Alkyl is linear or branched and is for example methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, 2,4,4-trimethylpentyl, 2-ethylhexyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl or icosyl.

For example, alkyl is methyl, ethyl or hexyl.

Examples for polyolefins are:

1. Polymers of monoolefins and diolefins, for example polypropylene, polyisobutylene, polybut-1-ene, poly-4-methylpent-1-ene, polyisoprene or polybutadiene, as well as polymers of cycloolefins, for instance of cyclopentene or norbornene, polyethylene (which optionally can be crosslinked), for example high density polyethylene (HDPE), high density and high molecular weight polyethylene (HDPE-HMW), high density and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (HDPE-UHMW), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), (VLDPE) and (ULDPE).

Polyolefins, i.e. the polymers of monoolefins exemplified in the preceding paragraph, for example polyethylene and polypropylene, can be prepared by different, and especially by the following, methods:

-   -   i) radical polymerization (normally under high pressure and at         elevated temperature).     -   ii) catalytic polymerization using a catalyst that normally         contains one or more than one metal of groups IVb, Vb, VIb or         VIII of the Periodic Table. These metals usually have one or         more than one ligand, typically oxides, halides, alcoholates,         esters, ethers, amines, alkyls, alkenyls and/or aryls that may         be either p- or s-coordinated. These metal complexes may be in         the free form or fixed on substrates, typically on activated         magnesium chloride, titanium (III) chloride, alumina or silicon         oxide. These catalysts may be soluble or insoluble in the         polymerization medium. The catalysts can be used by themselves         in the polymerization or further activators may be used,         typically metal alkyls, metal hydrides, metal alkyl halides,         metal alkyl oxides or metal alkyloxanes, said metals being         elements of groups Ia, IIa and/or IIIa of the Periodic Table.         The activators may be modified conveniently with further ester,         ether, amine or silyl ether groups. These catalyst systems are         usually termed Phillips, Standard Oil Indiana, Ziegler (-Natta),         TNZ (DuPont), metallocene or single site catalysts (SSC).

2. Mixtures of the polymers mentioned under 1.), for example mixtures of polypropylene with polyisobutylene, polypropylene with polyethylene (for example PP/HDPE, PP/LDPE) and mixtures of different types of polyethylene (for example LDPE/HDPE).

3. Copolymers of monoolefins and diolefins with each other or with other vinyl monomers, for example ethylene/propylene copolymers, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and mixtures thereof with low density polyethylene (LDPE), propylene/but-1-ene copolymers, propylene/isobutylene copolymers, ethylene/but-1-ene copolymers, ethylene/hexene copolymers, ethylene/methylpentene copolymers, ethylene/heptene copolymers, ethylene/octene copolymers, propylene/butadiene copolymers, isobutylene/isoprene copolymers, ethylene/alkyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene/alkyl methacrylate copolymers, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers and their copolymers with carbon monoxide or ethylene/acrylic acid copolymers and their salts (ionomers) as well as terpolymers of ethylene with propylene and a diene such as hexadiene, dicyclopentadiene or ethylidene-norbornene; and mixtures of such copolymers with one another and with polymers mentioned in 1) above, for example polypropylene/ethylene-propylene copolymers, LDPE/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), LDPE/ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers (EAA), LLDPE/EVA, LLDPE/EAA and alternating or random polyalkylene/carbon monoxide copolymers and mixtures thereof with other polymers, for example polyamides.

4. Blends of polymers mentioned under 1.) with impact modifiers such as ethylene-propylene-diene monomer copolymers (EPDM), copolymers of ethylene with higher alpha-olefins (such as ethylene-octene copolymers), polybutadiene, polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene copolymers, hydrogenated styrene-butadiene copolymers, styrene-isoprene copolymers, hydrogenated styrene-isoprene copolymers. These blends are commonly referred to in the industry as TPO's (thermoplastic polyolefins).

Polyolefins of the present invention are for example polypropylene homo- and copolymers and polyethylene homo- and copolymers. For instance, polypropylene, high density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and polypropylene random and impact (heterophasic) copolymers. Preferred polyolefins of the present invention include polypropylene homopolymers, polypropylene impact (heterophasic) copolymers, blends thereof, and TPO's such as blends of polypropylene homopolymers and impact copolymers with EPDM or ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers.

Melt processing techniques are know and include for example extrusion, co-kneading, pultrusion, injection molding, co-extrusion, fiber extrusion, fiber spinning, film extrusion (cast, blown, blowmolding), rotational molding, and the like.

The present nonylcyclohexylphosphite esters are used for example, in amounts of from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight, based on the weight of the polyolefin, from about 0.025% to about 1%, from about 0.05% to about 0.5% by weight, from about 0.01% to about 1%, about 0.01% to about 0.5%, about 0.025% to about 5%, or about 0.05% to about 5% by weight, based on the weight of the polyolefin to be stabilized. For example, the present nonylcyclohexylphosphite esters are present at a level of less than about 3% by weight, based on the weight of the polyolefin, or from about 0.01% to about 2.5% by weight, or from about 0.01% to about 2% by weight, based on the weight of the polyolefin.

The incorporation of the present nonylcyclohexylphosphite esters and optional further additives into the polyolefin is carried out by known methods, for example before or after molding or also by applying the dissolved or dispersed stabilizer or stabilizer mixture to the polyolefin, with or without subsequent evaporation of the solvent. The stabilizer or stabilizer mixture can also be added to the polyolefins to be stabilized in the form of a masterbatch which contains the nonylcyclohexylphosphite esters and optional additives in a concentration of, for example, about 2.5% to about 60% by weight.

The nonylcyclohexylphosphite esters and optional further additives can also be added before or during the polymerization or before crosslinking.

The present nonylcyclohexylphosphite esters and optional further additives can be incorporated into the polyolefin to be stabilized in pure form or encapsulated in waxes, oils or polymers.

The present nonylcyclohexylphosphite esters and optional further additives can also be sprayed onto the polyolefin to be stabilized. It is able to dilute other additives (for example other conventional additives discussed further) or their melts so that it can be sprayed also together with these additives onto the polyolefin to be stabilized. Addition by spraying during the deactivation of the polymerization catalysts is particularly advantageous, it being possible to carry out spraying using, for example, the steam used for deactivation.

In the case of spherically polymerized polyolefins it may, for example, be advantageous to apply the present stabilizer optionally together with other additives, by spraying.

The polyolefin compositions according to the instant invention are useful in the manufacture of polyolefin articles. The said articles are for example woven fibers, non-woven fibers, films, sheets or molded articles.

Further stabilizers include for example hindered phenolic antioxidants, hindered amine light stabilizers, hydroxylamine stabilizers, amine oxide stabilizers, benzofuranone stabilizers and other organic phosphorus stabilizers.

Hindered phenolic antioxidants include for example tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) isocyanurate, 1,3,5-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene, the calcium salt of the monoethyl ester of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonic acid, pentaerythritol tetrakis [3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate] or octadecyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate.

Hindered amine light stabilizers include for example

where n is an integer such that the total molecular weight is above about 1000 g/mole.

Hydroxylamine stabilizers are for example N,N-dibenzylhydroxylamine, N,N-diethylhydroxylamine, N,N-dioctylhydroxylamine, N,N-dilaurylhydroxylamine, N,N-didodecylhydroxylamine, N,N-ditetradecylhydroxylamine, N,N-dihexadecylhydroxylamine, N,N-dioctadecylhydroxylamine, N-hexadecyl-N-tetradecylhydroxylamine, N-hexadecyl-N-heptadecylhydroxylamine, N-hexadecyl-N-octadecylhydroxylamine, N-heptadecyl-N-octadecylhydroxylamine, N-methyl-N-octadecylhydroxylamine or N,N-di(hydrogenated tallow)hydroxylamine.

The amine oxide stabilizer is for example Genox™ EP, a di(C₁₆-C₁₈)alkyl methyl amine oxide, CAS# 204933-93-7.

Benzofuranone stabilizers are for example 3-(4-(2-acetoxyethoxy)phenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one, 5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-(4-(2-stearoyloxyethoxy)phenyl)benzofuran-2-one, 3,3′-bis(5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-(4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl)benzofuran-2-one), 5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-(4-ethoxyphenyl)benzofuran-2-one, 3-(4-acetoxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one, 3-(3,5-dimethyl-4-pivaloyloxyphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one, 3-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one or 3-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one.

Further organic phosphorus stabilizers are for example those as disclosed previously. Further organic phosphorus stabilizers are also for example those as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,541,549 and U.S. Pat. app. No. 2003/0096890, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

These optional stabilizers are employed at the same levels as the present nonylcyclohexylphosphite esters.

In addition to the nonylcyclohexylphosphite esters and the above optional stabilizers, the following further additives may also be employed. These further stabilizers are employed for example at use levels from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight, based on the weight of the polyolefin.

1. Antioxidants

1.1. Alkylated monophenols, for example 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, 2-tert-butyl-4,6-dimethylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-n-butyl phenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-isobutylphenol, 2,6-dicyclopentyl-4-methylphenol, 2-(α-methylcyclohexyl)-4,6-dimethylphenol, 2,6-dioctadecyl-4-methylphenol, 2,4,6-tricyclohexylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methoxymethylphenol, nonylphenols which are linear or branched in the side chains, for example, 2,6-di-nonyl-4-methylphenol, 2,4-dimethyl-6-(1-methylundec⁻¹-yl)phenol, 2,4-dimethyl-6-(1-methylheptadec⁻¹-yl)phenol, 2,4-dimethyl-6-(1-methyltridec⁻¹-yl)phenol and mixtures thereof.

1.2. Alkylthiomethylphenols, for example 2,4-dioctylthiomethyl-6-tert-butylphenol, 2,4-dioctylthiomethyl-6-methylphenol, 2,4-dioctylthiomethyl-6-ethylphenol, 2,6-di-dodecylthiomethyl-4-nonylphenol.

1.3. Hydroquinones and alkylated hydroquinones, for example 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol, 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone, 2,5-di-tert-amylhydroquinone, 2,6-diphenyl-4-octadecyloxyphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butylhydroquinone, 2,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl stearate, bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) adipate.

1.4. Tocopherols, for example α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol and mixtures thereof (Vitamin E).

1.5. Hydroxylated thiodiphenyl ethers, for example 2,2′-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol), 2,2′-thiobis(4-octylphenol), 4,4′-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-3-methylphenol), 4,4′-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-2-methylphenol), 4,4′-thiobis-(3,6-di-sec-amylphenol), 4,4′-bis(2,6-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)disulfide.

1.6. Alkylidenebisphenols, for example 2,2′-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol), 2,2′-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol), 2,2′-methylenebis[4-methyl-6-α-methylcyclohexyl)phenol], 2,2′-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-cyclohexylphenol), 2,2′-methylenebis(6-nonyl-4-methylphenol), 2,2′-methylenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol), 2,2′-ethylidenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol), 2,2′-ethylidenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-isobutylphenol), 2,2′-methylenebis[6-α-methylbenzyl)-4-nonylphenol], 2,2′-methylenebis[6-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-4-nonylphenol], 4,4′-methylenebis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol), 4,4′-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-2-methylphenol), 1,1-bis(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)butane, 2,6-bis(3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-2-hydroxybenzyl)-4-methylphenol, 1,1,3-tris(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)butane, 1,1-bis(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methyl-phenyl)-3-n-dodecylmercaptobutane, ethylene glycol bis[3,3-bis(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)butyrate], bis(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methyl-phenyl)dicyclopentadiene, bis[2-(3′tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzyl)-6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl]terephthalate, 1,1-bis-(3,5-dimethyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)butane, 2,2-bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy2-methylphenyl)-4-n-dodecylmercaptobutane, 1,1,5,5-tetra-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)pentane.

1.7. Benzyl compounds, for example 3,5,3′,5′-tetra-tert-butyl4,4′-dihydroxydibenzyl ether, octadecyl-4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzylmercaptoacetate, tridecyl-4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzylmercaptoacetate, tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)amine, 1,3,5-tri-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene, di-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) sulfide, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl-mercapto-acetic acid isooctyl ester, bis-(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)dithiol terephthalate, 1,3,5-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) isocyanurate, 1,3,5-tris-(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl) isocyanurate, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl-phosphoric acid dioctadecyl ester and 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl-phosphoric acid monoethyl ester, calcium-salt.

1.8. Hydroxybenzylated malonates, for example dioctadecyl-2,2-bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzyl)-malonate, di-octadecyl-2-(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylbenzyl)-malonate, di-dodecylmercaptoethyl-2,2-bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)malonate, bis[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl]-2,2-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)malonate.

1.9. Aromatic hydroxybenzyl compounds, for example 1,3,5-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene, 1,4-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzene, 2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)phenol.

1.10. Triazine compounds, for example 2,4-bis(octylmercapto)-6-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanilino)-1,3,5-triazine, 2-octylmercapto-4,6-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanilino)-1,3,5-triazine, 2-octylmercapto-4,6-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4,6-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenoxy)-1,2,3-triazine, 1,3,5-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-benzyl)isocyanurate, 1,3,5-tris(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)isocyanurate, 2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 1,3,5-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-phenylpropionyl)-hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine, 1,3,5-tris(3,5-dicyclohexyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate.

1.11. Benzylphosphonates, for example dimethyl-2,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate, diethyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate, dioctadecyl3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate, dioctadecyl-5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-3-methylbenzylphosphonate, the calcium salt of the monoethyl ester of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonic acid.

1.12. Acylaminophenols, for example 4-hydroxy-lauric acid anilide, 4-hydroxy-stearic acid anilide, 2,4-bis-octylmercapto-6-(3,5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanilino)-s-triazine and octyl-N-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-carbamate.

1.13. Esters of β-(3.5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid with mono- or polyhydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, n-octanol, i-octanol, octadecanol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol, tris(hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate, N,N′-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxamide, 3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol, trimethylolpropane, 4-hydroxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane.

1.14. Esters of β-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)propionic acid with mono- or polyhydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, n-octanol, i-octanol, octadecanol, 1,6-hexane-diol, 1,9-nonanediol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol, tris(hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate, N,N′-bis-(hydroxyethyl)oxamide, 3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol, trimethyl-olpropane, 4-hydroxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane.

1.15. Esters of β-(3.5-dicyclohexyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid with mono- or polyhydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, octanol, octadecanol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol, tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, N,N′-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxamide, 3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol, trimethylolpropane, 4-hydroxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane.

1.16. Esters of 3.5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid with mono- or polyhydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, octanol, octadecanol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol, tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, N,N′-bis(hydroxyethyl)ox-amide, 3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol, trimethylolpropane, 4-hy-droxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane.

1.17. Amides of β-(3.5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)Propionic acid e.g. N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)hexamethylenediamide, N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)trimethylenediamide, N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)hydrazide, N,N′-bis[2-(3-[3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl]propionyloxy)ethyl]oxamide (Naugard®XL-1 supplied by Uniroyal).

1.18. Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

1.19. Aminic antioxidants, for example N,N′-di-isopropyl-p-phenylenediamine, N,N′-di-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine, N,N′-bis(1,4-dimethylpentyl)-p-phenylenediamine, N,N′-bis(1-ethyl-3-methylpentyl)-p-phenylenediamine, N,N′-bis(1-methylheptyl)-p-phenylenediamine, N,N′-dicyclohexyl-p-phenylenediamine, N,N′-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine, N,N′-bis(2-naphthyl)-p-phenylenediamine, N-isopropyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, N-(1-methylheptyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, N-cyclohexyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenlenediamine, 4-(p-toluenesulfamoyl)diphenylamine, N,N′-dimethyl-N,N′-di-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine, diphenylamine, N-allyldiphenylamine, 4-isopropoxydiphenylamine, N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine, N-(4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-naphthylamine, N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine, octylated diphenylamine, for example p,p′-di-tert-octyldiphenylamine, 4-n-butylaminophenol, 4-butyrylaminophenol, 4-nonanoylaminophenol, 4-dodecanoylaminophenol, 4-octadecanoylaminophenol, bis(4-methoxyphenyl)amine, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-dimethylaminomethylphenol, 2,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane, 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane, N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane, 1,2-bis[(2-methylphenyl)amino]ethane, 1,2-bis(phenylamino)propane, (o-tolyl)biguanide, bis[4-(1′,3′-dimethylbutyl)phenyl]amine, tert-octylated N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine, a mixture of mono- and dialkylated tert-butyl/tert-octyl-diphenylamines, a mixture of mono- and dialkylated nonyldiphenylamines, a mixture of mono- and dialkylated dodecyidiphenylamines, a mixture of mono- and dialkylated isopropyl/isohexyldiphenylamines, a mixture of mono- and dialkylated tert-butyldiphenylamines, 2,3-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl-4H-1,4-benzothiazine, phenothiazine, a mixture of mono- and dialkylated tert-butyl/tert-octylphenothiazines, a mixture of mono- and dialkylated tert-octyl-phenothiazines, N-allylphenothiazin, N,N,N′,N′-tetraphenyl-1,4-diaminobut-2-ene, N,N-bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperid-4-yl-hexamethylenediamine, bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperid-4-yl)-sebacate, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-one, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-ol.

2. UV Absorbers and Light Stabilizers

2.1. 2-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazoles, for example known commercial hydroxyphenyl-2H-benzotriazoles and benzotriazoles as disclosed in, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,004,896; 3,055,896; 3,072,585; 3,074,910; 3,189,615; 3,218,332; 3,230,194; 4,127,586; 4,226,763; 4,275,004; 4,278,589; 4,315,848; 4,347,180; 4,383,863; 4,675,352; 4,681,905, 4,853,471; 5,268,450; 5,278,314; 5,280,124; 5,319,091; 5,410,071; 5,436,349; 5,516,914; 5,554,760; 5,563,242; 5,574,166; 5,607,987, 5,977,219 and 6,166,218 such as 2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 2-(3,5-di-t-butyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 2-(2-hydroxy-5-t-butylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 2-(2-hydroxy-5-t-octylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 5-chloro-2-(3,5-di-t-butyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 5-chloro-2-(3-t-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 2-(3-sec-butyl-5-t-butyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 2-(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 2-(3,5-di-t-amyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 2-(3,5-bis-α-cumyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 2-(3-t-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-(2-((ω-hydroxy-octa-(ethyleneoxy)carbonyl-ethyl)-, phenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 2-(3-dodecyl-2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 2-(3-t-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-(2-octyloxycarbonyl)ethylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, dodecylated 2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 2-(3-t-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-(2-octyloxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)-5-chloro-2H-benzotriazole, 2-(3-tert-butyl-5-(2-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-carbonylethyl)-2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-chloro-2H-benzotriazole, 2-(3-t-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-(2-methoxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)-5-chloro-2H-benzotriazole, 2-(3-t-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-(2-methoxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 2-(3-t-butyl-5-(2-(2-ethylhexyloxy)carbonylethyl)-2-hydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 2-(3-t-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-(2-isooctyloxycarbonylethyl)phenyl-2H-benzotriazole, 2,2′-methylene-bis(4-t-octyl-(6-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)phenol), 2-(2-hydroxy-3-α-cumyl-5-t-octylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 2-(2-hydroxy-3-t-octyl-5-α-cumylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 5-fluoro-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-α-cumyl-phenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 5-chloro-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-α-cumylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 5-chloro-2-(2-hydroxy-3-α-cumyl-5-t-octylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 2-(3-t-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-(2-isooctyloxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)-5-chloro-2H-benzotriazole, 5-trifluoromethyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3-α-cumyl-5-t-octylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 5-trifluoromethyl-2-(2-hydroxy-5-t-octylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 5-trifluoromethyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-t-octylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, methyl 3-(5-trifluoromethyl-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-5-t-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate, 5-butylsulfonyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3-α-cumyl-5-t-octylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 5-trifluoromethyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3-α-cumyl-5-t-butylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 5-trifluoromethyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-t-butylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 5-trifluoromethyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-α-cumylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 5-butylsulfonyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-t-butylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole and 5-phenylsulfonyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-t-butylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole.

2.2. 2-Hydroxybenzophenones, for example the 4-hydroxy, 4-methoxy, 4-octyloxy, 4-decyloxy, 4-dodecyloxy, 4-benzyloxy, 4,2′,4′-trihydroxy and 2′-hydroxy-4,4′-dimethoxy derivatives.

2.3. Esters of substituted and unsubstituted benzoic acids, as for example 4-tert-butylphenyl salicylate, phenyl salicylate, octylphenyl salicylate, dibenzoyl resorcinol, bis(4-tert-butylbenzoyl) resorcinol, benzoyl resorcinol, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, hexadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, octadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, 2-methyl-4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate.

2.4. Acrvlates and malonates, for example, α-cyano-β,β-diphenylacrylic acid ethyl ester or isooctyl ester, α-carbomethoxy-cinnamic acid methyl ester, α-cyano-α-methyl-p-methoxy-cinnamic acid methyl ester or butyl ester, α-carbomethoxy-p-methoxy-cinnamic acid methyl ester, N-(β-carbomethoxy-β-cyanovinyl)-2-methyl-indoline, Sanduvor® PR25, dimethyl p-methoxybenzylidenemalonate (CAS# 7443-25-6), and Sanduvor® PR31, di-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidin-4-yl) p-methoxybenzylidenemalonate (CAS #147783-69-5).

2.5. Nickel compounds, for example nickel complexes of 2,2′-thio-bis-[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol], such as the 1:1 or 1:2 complex, with or without additional ligands such as n-butylamine, triethanolamine or N-cyclohexyldiethanolamine, nickel dibutyldithiocarbamate, nickel salts of the monoalkyl esters, e.g. the methyl or ethyl ester, of 4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzylphosphonic acid, nickel complexes of ketoximes, e.g. of 2-hydroxy-4-methylphenyl undecylketoxime, nickel complexes of 1-phenyl-4-lauroyl-5-hydroxypyrazole, with or without additional ligands.

2.6. Sterically hindered amine stabilizers, for example 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, 1-allyl-4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, 1-benzyl-4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate, bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) succinate, bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate, bis(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate, bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl) n-butyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylmalonate, the condensate of 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxypiperidine and succinic acid, linear or cyclic condensates of N,N′-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine and 4-tert-octylamino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine, tris(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) nitrilotriacetate, tetrakis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-1,2,3,4-butane-tetracarboxylate, 1,1′-(1,2-ethanediyl)-bis(3,3,5,5-tetramethylpiperazinone), 4-benzoyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, 4-stearyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl)-2-n-butyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl) malonate, 3-n-octyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decan-2,4-dione, bis(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl) sebacate, bis(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl) succinate, linear or cyclic condensates of N,N′-bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-hexamethylenediamine and 4-morpholino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine, the condensate of 2-chloro-4,6-bis(4-n-butylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl)-1,3,5-triazine and 1,2-bis(3-amino-propylamino)ethane, the condensate of 2-chloro-4,6-di-(4-n-butylamino-1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl)-1,3,5-triazine and 1,2-bis-(3-aminopropylamino)ethane, 8-acetyl-3-dodecyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decane-2,4-dione, 3-dodecyl-1-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)pyrrolidin-2,5-dione, 3-dodecyl-1-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione, a mixture of 4-hexadecyloxy- and 4-stearyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, a condensation product of N,N′-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine and 4-cyclohexylamino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine, a condensation product of 1,2-bis(3-aminopropylamino)ethane and 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine as well as 4-butylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (CAS Reg. No. [136504-96-6]); N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-n-dodecylsuccinimid, N-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)-n-dodecylsuccinimid, 2-undecyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro[4,5]decane, a reaction product of 7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-2-cycloundecyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxospiro [4,5]decane and epichlorohydrin, 1,1-bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyloxycarbonyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethene, N,N′-bis-formyl-N,N′-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine, diester of 4-methoxy-methylene-malonic acid with 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-hydroxypiperidine, poly[methylpropyl-3-oxy-4-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)]siloxane, reaction product of maleic acid anhydride-α-olefin-copolymer with 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-aminopiperidine or 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-aminopiperidine.

The sterically hindered amine may also be one of the compounds described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,783, the relevant parts of which are hereby incorporated by reference, that is compounds of component I-a), I-b), I-c), I-d), I-e), I-f), I-g), I-h), I-i), I-j), I-k) or I-l), in particular the light stabilizer 1-α-1,1-α-2,1-b-1,1-c-1,1-c-2,1-d-1,1-d-2,1-d-3,1-e-1,1-f-1,1-g-1,1-g-2 or 1-k-1 listed on columns 64-72 of said U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,783.

The sterically hindered amine may also be one of the compounds described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,046,304 and 6,297,299, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference, for example compounds as described in claims 10 or 38 or in Examples 1-12 or D-1 to D-5 therein.

2.7. Sterically hindered amines substituted on the N-atom by a hydroxy-substituted alkoxy group, for example compounds such as 1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)₄-octadecanoyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, 1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-4-hexadecanoyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, the reaction product of 1-oxyl-4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine with a carbon radical from t-amylalcohol, 1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, 1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-4-oxo-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, bis(1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) sebacate, bis(1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) adipate, bis(1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) succinate, bis(1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) glutarate and 2,4-bis{N-[1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl]-N-butylamino}-6-(2-hydroxyethyl-amino)-s-triazine.

2.8. Oxamides, for example 4,4′-dioctyloxyoxanilide, 2,2′-diethoxyoxanilide, 2,2′-dioctyloxy-5,5′-di-tert-butoxanilide, 2,2′-didodecyloxy-5,5′-di-tert-butoxanilide, 2-ethoxy-2′-ethyloxanilide, N,N′-bis(3-dimethylaminopropyl)oxamide, 2-ethoxy-5-tert-butyl-2′-ethoxanilide and its mixture with 2-ethoxy-2′-ethyl-5,4′-di-tert-butoxanilide, mixtures of o- and p-methoxy-disubstituted oxanilides and mixtures of o- and p-ethoxy-disubstituted oxanilides.

2.9. Tris-aryl-o-hydroxyphenyl-s-triazines, for example known commercial tris-aryl-o-hydroxyphenyl-s-triazines and triazines as disclosed in, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,843,371; 4,619,956; 4,740,542; 5,096,489; 5,106,891; 5,298,067; 5,300,414; 5,354,794; 5,461,151; 5,476,937; 5,489,503; 5,543,518; 5,556,973; 5,597,854; 5,681,955; 5,726,309; 5,736,597; 5,942,626; 5,959,008; 5,998,116; 6,013,704; 6,060,543; 6,187,919; 6,242,598 and 6,468,958, for example 4,6-bis-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-2-(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-s-triazine, Cyasorb® 1164, Cytec Corp, 4,6-bis-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-2-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-s-triazine, 2,4-bis(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-6-(4-chlorophenyl)-s-triazine, 2,4-bis[2-hydroxy4-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)phenyl]-6-(4-chlorophenyl)-s-triazine, 2,4-bis[2-hydroxy4-(2-hydroxy4-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)phenyl]-6-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-s-triazine, 2,4-bis[2-hydroxy4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]-6-(4-bromophenyl)-s-triazine, 2,4-bis[2-hydroxy4-(2-acetoxyethoxy)phenyl]-6-(4-chlorophenyl)-s-triazine, 2,4-bis(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-6-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-s-triazine, 2,4-bis(4-biphenylyl)-6-(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxycarbonylethylideneoxyphenyl)-s-triazine, 2-phenyl-4-[2-hydroxy-4-(3-sec-butyloxy-2-hydroxypropyloxy)phenyl]-6-[2-hydroxy4-(3-sec-amyloxy-2-hydroxypropyloxy)-phenyl]-s-triazine, 2,4-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-6-[2-hydroxy-4-(3-benzyloxy-2-hydroxy-propyloxy)phenyl]-s-triazine, 2,4-bis(2-hydroxy-4-n-butyloxyphenyl)-6-(2,4-di-n-butyloxyphenyl)-s-triazine, 2,4-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-6-[2-hydroxy-4-(3-nonyloxy*-2-hydroxypropyloxy)-5-α-cumylphenyl]-s-triazine (* denotes a mixture of octyloxy, nonyloxy and decyloxy groups), methylenebis-{2,4-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-6-[2-hydroxy-4-(3-butyloxy-2-hydroxypropoxy)-phenyl]-s-triazine}, methylene bridged dimer mixture bridged in the 3:5′, 5:5′ and 3:3′ positions in a 5:4:1 ratio, 2,4,6-tris(2-hydroxy-4-isooctyloxycarbonylisopropylideneoxyphenyl)-s-triazine, 2,4-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-6-(2-hydroxy-4-hexyloxy-5-α-cumylphenyl)-s-triazine, 2-(2,4,6-trimethyl-phenyl)-4,6-bis[2-hydroxy-4-(3-butyloxy-2-hydroxypropyloxy)phenyl]-s-triazine, 2,4,6-tris[2-hydroxy-4-(3-sec-butyloxy-2-hydroxypropyloxy)phenyl]-s-triazine, mixture of 4,6-bis-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-2-(2-hydroxy-4-(3-dodecyloxy-2-hydroxypropoxy)-phenyl)-s-triazine and 4,6-bis-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-2-(2-hydroxy-4-(3-tridecyloxy-2-hydroxypropoxy)-phenyl)-s-triazine, 4,6-bis-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-2-(2-hydroxy-4-(3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy)-phenyl)-s-triazine and 4,6-diphenyl-2-(4-hexyloxy-2-hydroxyphenyl)-s-triazine.

3. Metal deactivators, for example N,N′-diphenyloxamide, N-salicylal-N′-salicyloyl hydrazine, N,N′-bis(salicyloyl) hydrazine, N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl) hydrazine, 3-salicyloylamino-1,2,4-triazole, bis(benzylidene)oxalyl dihydrazide, oxanilide, isophthaloyl dihydrazide, sebacoyl bisphenylhydrazide, N,N′-diacetyladipoyl dihydrazide, N,N′-bis(salicyloyl)oxalyl dihydrazide, N,N′-bis(salicyloyl)thiopropionyl dihydrazide.

4. Phosphites and phosphonites, for example triphenyl phosphite, diphenyl alkyl phosphites, phenyl dialkyl phosphites, tris(nonylphenyl) phosphite, trilauryl phosphite, trioctadecyl phosphite, distearyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite, diisodecyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl)-pentaerythritol diphosphite, diisodecyloxypentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4,6-tris(tert-butylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, tristearyl sorbitol triphosphite, tetrakis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) 4,4′-biphenylene diphosphonite, 6-isooctyloxy-2,4,8,10-tetra-tert-butyl-dibenzo[d,f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepin, 6-fluoro-2,4,8, 10-tetra-tert-butyl-12-methyl-dibenzo[d,g][1,3,2]dioxaphosphocin, bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl) methyl phosphite, bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl) ethyl phosphite, 2,2′,2″-nitrilo[triethyltris(3,3′,5,5′-tetra-tert-butyl-1,1′-biphenyl-2,2′-diyl)phosphite], 2-ethylhexyl(3,3′,5,5′-tetra-tert-butyl-1,1′-biphenyl-2,2′-diyl)phosphite.

Especially preferred are the following phosphites:

Tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite, tris(nonylphenyl) phosphite,

5. Hydroxylamines, for example N,N-dibenzylhydroxylamine, N,N-diethylhydroxylamine, N,N-dioctylhydroxylamine, N,N-dilaurylhydroxylamine, N,N-ditetradecylhydroxylamine, N,N-dihexadecylhydroxylamine, N,N-dioctadecylhydroxylamine, N-hexadecyl-N-octadecylhydroxyl-amine, N-heptadecyl-N-octadecylhydroxylamine, N-methyl-N-octadecylhydroxylamine and the N,N-dialkylhydroxylamine derived from hydrogenated tallow amine.

6. Nitrones, for example N-benzyl-α-phenylnitrone, N-ethyl-α-methylnitrone, N-octyl-α-heptylnitrone, N-lauryl-α-undecyInitrone, N-tetradecyl-α-tridcyinitrone, N-hexadecyl-α-pentadecyInitrone, N-octadecyl-α-heptadecyInitrone, N-hexadecyl-α-heptadecyInitrone, N-ocatadecyl-α-pentadecyInitrone, N-heptadecyl-α-heptadecyinitrone, N-octadecyl-α-hexadecyInitrone, N-methyl-α-heptadecyInitrone and the nitrone derived from N,N-dialkylhydro-xylamine derived from hydrogenated tallow amine.

7. Amine oxides, for example amine oxide derivatives as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,844,029 and 5,880,191, didecyl methyl amine oxide, tridecyl amine oxide, tridodecyl amine oxide and trihexadecyl amine oxide.

8. Benzofuranones and indolinones, for example those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,325,863, 4,338,244, 5,175,312, 5,216,052, 5,252,643 5,369,159 5,356,966 5,367,008 5,428,177 or 5,428,162 or 3-[4-(2-acetoxyethoxy)phenyl]-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one, 5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-[4-(2-stearoyloxyethoxy)phenyl]benzofuran-2-one, 3,3′-bis[5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-(4-[2-hydroxyethoxy]phenyl)benzofuran-2-one], 5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-(4-ethoxyphenyl)benzofuran-2-one, 3-(4-acetoxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one, 3-(3,5-dimethyl-4-pivaloyloxyphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one, 3-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one, Irganox® HP-136, Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corp., and 3-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one.

9. Thiosynergists, for example dilauryl thiodipropionate or distearyl thiodipropionate.

10. Peroxide scavengers, for example esters of β-thiodipropionic acid, for example the lauryl, stearyl, myristyl or tridecyl esters, mercaptobenzimidazole or the zinc salt of 2-mercapto-benzimidazole, zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate, dioctadecyl disulfide, pentaerythritol tetrakis(β-dodecylmercapto)propionate.

11. Basic co-stabilizers, for example melamine, polyvinylpyrrolidone, dicyandiamide, triallyl cyanurate, urea derivatives, hydrazine derivatives, amines, polyamides, polyurethanes, alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts of higher fatty acids, for example, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium behenate, magnesium stearate, sodium ricinoleate and potassium palmitate, antimony pyrocatecholate or zinc pyrocatecholate.

12. Nucleating agents, for example inorganic substances such as talcum, metal oxides such as titanium dioxide or magnesium oxide, phosphates, carbonates or sulfates of, preferably, alkaline earth metals; organic compounds such as mono- or polycarboxylic acids and the salts thereof, e.g. 4-tert-butylbenzoic acid, adipic acid, diphenylacetic acid, sodium succinate or sodium benzoate; polymeric compounds such as ionic copolymers (ionomers).

13. Fillers and reinforcing agents, for example calcium carbonate, silicates, glass fibres, glass bulbs, asbestos, talc, kaolin, mica, barium sulfate, metal oxides and hydroxides, carbon black, graphite, wood flour and flours or fibers of other natural products, synthetic fibers.

14. Dispersing Agents, such as polyethylene oxide waxes or mineral oil.

15. Other additives, for example plasticizers, lubricants, emulsifiers, pigments, dyes, optical brighteners, rheology additives, catalysts, flow-control agents, slip agents, crosslinking agents, crosslinking boosters, halogen scavengers, smoke inhibitors, flameproofing agents, antistatic agents, clarifiers such as substituted and unsubstituted bisbenzylidene sorbitols, benzoxazinone UV absorbers such as 2,2′-p-phenylene-bis(3,1-benzoxazin4-one), Cyasorb® 3638 (CAS# 18600-59-4), and blowing agents.

The fillers and reinforcing agents (item 9 in the list), for example talc, calcium carbonate, mica or kaolin, are added to the polyolefins in concentrations of about 0.01% to about 40% by weight, based on the overall weight of the polyolefins to be stabilized.

The fillers and reinforcing agents (item 9 in the list), for example metal hydroxides, especially aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide, are added to the polyolefins in concentrations of about 0.01% to about 60% by weight, based on the overall weight of the polyolefins to be stabilized.

Carbon black as filler is added to the polyolefins in concentrations, judiciously, of from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight, based on the overall weight of the polyolefins to be stabilized.

Glass fibers as reinforcing agents are added to the polyolefins in concentrations, judiciously, of from about 0.01% to about 20% by weight, based on the overall weight of the polyolefins to be stabilized.

The following Examples illustrate the invention in more detail. Parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated.

The formulations in the Examples employ the following compounds:

-   -   AO1 is pentaerythritol tetrakis         [3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate],     -   AO2 is octadecyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)         propionate,     -   P1 is tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite,     -   P2 is tetrakis (2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)         4,4′-biphenylene-diphosphonite,     -   P3 is bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite,     -   P5 is tris-nonylcyclohexylphosphite (subject of the invention),     -   P6 is tris-nonylphenylphosphite (TNPP),     -   P7 is bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl-6-methyl) ethylphosphite,     -   P8 is bis(2,4-di-cumyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite,     -   BF1 is Irganoxe HP-136,         3-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one,     -   NOH is an N,N-di(alkyl)hydroxylamine produced by the direct         oxidation of N,N-di(hydrogenated tallow)amine, prepared in the         working Examples of U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,510,     -   AOx is a di(C₁₆-C₁₈)alkyl methyl amine oxide, CAS# 204933-93-7.

Example 1 Preparation of Tris-Nonylcyclohexylphosphite

A solution of nonylcyclohexanol (29.5 g, 0.13 mol) and triethylamine (20 ml, 0.14 mol) in dry toluene (300 ml) is degassed by bubbling nitrogen through the solution for 5 minutes. The solution is then cooled to 0° C. in an ice bath and phosphorous trichloride (6 g, 0.043 mol) in dry, degassed toluene (50 ml) is added dropwise over 1 hour. The mixture is then allowed to come to room temperature and is heated to 60° C. for 2 hours. The mixture is cooled, filtered and the toluene removed under reduced pressure to afford a viscous oil (30 g, 100%). P³¹ NMR shows 3 P(III) species 139.3, 139.4 and 140.9 ppm. H¹ NMR is consistent.

Example 2 Preparation of 5-butyl-5-ethyl-2-(4-nonyl-cyclohexyloxy)-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane

To a solution of 28 g (0.17 mole) of 2-butyl-2-ethyl-1,3-propandiol in 300 mL of toluene is added dropwise 16 mL (0.17 mole) of phosphorus trichloride at 70° C. After 1 h, the P³¹-NMR shows that the PCl₃ (signal at 220 ppm) is fully reacted and a new product is formed (signal at 150 ppm). The temperature is raised to 80° C. At this temperature a solution of 35.8 g (0.17 mole) 4-nonylcyclohexanol, 200 mL (1.4 mole) of triethylamine in 200 mL of toluene is added rapidly dropwise (approx. 30 min). A suspension is obtained. The P³¹-NMR—after further 2 h of reaction time—shows that the educt (signal at 150 ppm) is fully reacted and a new product is formed (signal at 123 ppm). After filtration and removal of the toluene (rotary evaporator) the product is isolated. Yield: 68 g (0.165 mol=96% of theory) of the title compound as a crude slight yellow oil; P³¹-NMR signals at: 124 ppm (major peak); 123 ppm; Total reaction time: 3 h. % P(calc): 7.47; % P (found): 7.24.

Example 3 Retention of Physical Properties and Color Control of Polypropylene Homopolymer

A Spheripol® bulk phase polypropylene homopolymer (Profax 6501) from Basell Corporation, with an initial melt flow rate of ca. 3.4 dg/min (2.16 kg, 230° C.) is used as a representative injection molding grade resin for this example.

The tables below list the amount of additives in parts per million (ppm) based on the overall formulation. The concentration of the various phosphites are set so that each formulation contains about the same molar equivalents of phosphorus. Each formulation also contains 500 ppm calcium stearate as a scavenger for acidic residues and polymerization catalyst deactivator. The formulations are prepared by dry blending the appropriate additives with the polymer in a Turbula® blender for twenty minutes followed by melt compounding on a single screw extruder at 450° F. (232° C.) using a polyolefin screw fitted with a Maddock mixing section under nitrogen. After this initial zero pass compounding, the formulations are submitted to additional extrusion passes at 525° F. (274° C.) with the extruder open to air. The 1^(st), 3^(rd) and 5^(th) extrusion passes are collected for additional testing as described below.

Melt flow rates are measured on a Tinius-Olsen Extrusion Plastometer according to ASTM D 1238. Yellowness Index, YI, is measured according to ASTM-1295 with a DCI SF600 spectrophotometer, large area view, spectral component included, C illuminant, 20 observer. Gas Fade Discoloration Resistance is measured according to AATCC Test Method 23, using an Atmospheric Fume Chamber Model 8727 from U.S. Research & Testing Co., at 60° C. Oven Aging Discoloration Resistance is measured according to ASTM D 3012, with slight modifications, using a Blue M oven running at 60° C. Oxidative Induction Times are assessed using a differential scanning calorimeter using ASTM D 3895, with slight modifications using an aluminum pan instead of a copper pan. Formulation AO1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 NOH A — — — — — — — — — — B 500 — — — — — — — — — C 500 1050 — — — — — — — — D 500 — 850 — — — — — — — E 500  660 330 — — — — — — — F 500 — — 500 — — — — — — G 500 — — — 750 — — — — — H 500 — — — — 1100 — — — — I 500 — — — — — 1100 — — — J 500 — — — — — — 800 — — K 500 — — — — — — — 680 —

Formulation AO1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 BF1 A — — — — — — — — — — L 500 — — — — — — — — 200 M 500 500 — — — — — — — 200 N 500 — 400 — — — — — — 200 O 500 333 167 — — — — — — 200 P 500 — — 300 — — — — — 200 Q 500 — — — 350 — — — — 200 R 500 — — — — 500 — — — 200 S 500 — — — — — 400 — — 200 T 500 — — — — — — 350 — 200 U 500 — — — — — — — 680 200

Tris-nonylcyclohexylphosphite (TNCP), used as a melt processing stabilizer in blends with phenolic antioxidants or with blends with phenolic antioxidants and benzofuranones, performs similarly to other phosphites, according to the present tests. It is typically better than TNPP. TNCP may be replaced with the compound of Example 2.

Example 4 Retention of Physical Properties and Color Control of Linear Low Density Polyethylene

A Unipol® gas phase linear low density polyethylene copolymer from ExxonMobil Corporation, with an initial melt flow rate of ca. 1 dg/min (2.16 kg, 190° C.) is used as a representative blown film grade resin for this example.

The tables below list the amount of additives in parts per million (ppm) based on the overall formulation. The concentration of the various phosphites are set so that each formulation contains about the same molar equivalents of phosphorus. Each formulation also contains 500 ppm zinc stearate as a scavenger for acidic residues and polymerization catalyst deactivator. The formulations are prepared by dry blending the appropriate additives with the polymer in a Turbula® blender for twenty minutes followed by melt compounding on a single screw extruder at 425° F. (218° C.) using a polyolefin screw fitted with a Maddock mixing section under nitrogen. After this initial zero pass compounding, the formulations are submitted to additional extrusion passes at 500° F. (260° C.) with the extruder open to air. The 1^(st), 2^(nd) and 3^(rd) extrusion passes are collected for additional testing as described below.

Melt flow rates are measured on a Tinius-Olsen Extrusion Plastometer according to ASTM D 1238. Yellowness Index, YI, is measured according to ASTM-1295 with a DCI SF600 spectrophotometer, large area view, spectral component included, C illuminant, 2° observer. Gas Fade Discoloration Resistance is measured according to MTCC Test Method 23, using an Atmospheric Fume Chamber Model 8727 from U.S. Research & Testing Co., at 60° C. Oven Aging Discoloration Resistance is measured according to ASTM D 3012, with slight modifications, using a Blue M oven running at 60° C. Oxidative Induction Times are assessed using a differential scanning calorimeter using ASTM D 3895, with slight modifications using an aluminum pan instead of a copper pan. Formulation AO2 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 NOH A — — — — — — — — — — B 500 — — — — — — — — — C 500 1050  — — — — — — — — D 500 — 850 — — — — — — — E 500 660 330 — — — — — — — F 500 — — 500 — — — — — — G 500 — — — 750 — — — — — H 500 — — — — 1100 — — — — I 500 — — — — — 1100 — — — J 500 — — — — — — 800 — — K 500 — — — — — — — 680 — L 500 660 — — — — — — — 330

Formulation H1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 NOH A — — — — — — — — — — M 500 — — — — — — — — — N 500 1050  — — — — — — — — O 500 — 850 — — — — — — — P 500 660 330 — — — — — — — Q 500 — — 500 — — — — — — R 500 — — — 750 — — — — — S 500 — — — — 1100 — — — — T 500 — — — — — 1100 — — — U 500 — — — — — — 800 — — V 500 — — — — — — — 680 — W 500 660 — — — — — — — 330

Tris-nonylcyclohexylphosphite (TNCP), used as a melt processing stabilizer in blends with a hindered phenolic antioxidant or a hindered amine light stabilizer performs similarly to other phosphites, according to the present tests. It is typically better than TNPP. TNCP may be replaced with the compound of Example 2. 

1. A mono-, bis- or tris-nonylcyclohexylphosphite ester of the formula I, II, III or IV

where R and R′ are independently straight or branched chain alkyl of from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, or R and R′ together form a 5 or 6 membered ring, where the carbon atoms of said ring are unsubstituted or substituted by one or two straight or branched chain alkyl groups of from 1 to 24 carbon atoms.
 2. A mono-nonylcyclohexylphosphite ester according to claim 1 of the formula I.
 3. A mono-nonylcyclohexylphosphite ester according to claim 1 of the formula


4. A mono-nonylcyclohexylphosphite ester according to claim 1 of the formula II


5. A bis-nonylcyclohexylphosphite ester according to claim 1 of the formula III.
 6. A bis-nonylcyclohexylphosphite ester according to claim 1 of the formula III where R is methyl, ethyl or hexyl.
 7. An ester according to claim 1 which is tris-nonylcyclohexylphosphite ester of formula IV.
 8. A polyolefin composition stabilized against the deleterious effects of melt processing, heat aging and exposure to combustion products of natural gas, which composition comprises at least one polyolefin and an effective stabilizing amount of one or more mono-, bis- or tris-nonylcyclohexylphosphite esters of formula I, II, III or IV according to claim
 1. 9. A composition according to claim 8 comprising an effective stabilizing amount of tris-nonylcyclohexylphosphite.
 10. A composition according to claim 8 where the polyolefin is polypropylene, polyethylene or thermoplasitc polyolefin.
 11. A composition according to claim 8 where the mono-, bis- or tris-nonylcyclohexylphosphite esters are present from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight, based on the weight of the polyolefin.
 12. A composition according to claim 8 where the mono-, bis- or tris-nonylcyclohexylphosphite esters are present at a level of less than about 3% by weight, based on the weight of the polyolefin.
 13. A composition according to claim 8 further comprising at least one hindered phenolic antioxidant selected from the group consisting of tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) isocyanurate, 1,3,5-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene, the calcium salt of the monoethyl ester of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonic acid, pentaerythritol tetrakis [3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate] and octadecyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate.
 14. A composition according to claim 8 further comprising at least one hindered amine light stabilizer selected from the group consisting of

where n is an integer such that the total molecular weight is above about 1000 g/mole.
 15. A composition according to claim 8 further comprising at least one hydroxylamine stabilizer selected from the group consisting of Hydroxylamine stabilizers are for example N,N-dibenzylhydroxylamine, N,N-diethylhydroxylamine, N,N-dioctylhydroxylamine, N,N-dilaurylhydroxylamine, N,N-didodecylhydroxylamine, N,N-ditetradecylhydroxylamine, N,N-dihexadecylhydroxylamine, N,N-dioctadecylhydroxylamine, N-hexadecyl-N-tetradecylhydroxylamine, N-hexadecyl-N-heptadecylhydroxylamine, N-hexadecyl-N-octadecylhydroxylamine, N-heptadecyl-N-octadecylhydroxylamine, N-methyl-N-octadecylhydroxylamine and N,N-di(hydrogenated tallow)hydroxylamine.
 16. A composition according to claim 8 further comprising at least one benzofuranone stabilizer selected from the group consisting of 3-(4-(2-acetoxyethoxy)phenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one, 5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-(4-(2-stearoyloxyethoxy)phenyl)benzofuran-2-one, 3,3′-bis(5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-(4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl)benzofuran-2-one), 5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-(4-ethoxyphenyl)benzofuran-2-one, 3-(4-acetoxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one, 3-(3,5-dimethyl-4-pivaloyloxyphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one, 3-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one or 3-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one.
 17. A composition according to claim 8 further comprising at least one other organic phosphorus stabilizer.
 18. A composition according to claim 8 further comprising at least one other organic phosphorus stabilizer selected from the group consisting of triphenyl phosphite, diphenyl alkyl phosphites, phenyl dialkyl phosphites, tris(nonylphenyl) phosphite, trilauryl phosphite, trioctadecyl phosphite, distearyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4-di-α-cumylphenyl) pentaerythrtitol diphosphite, tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite, diisodecyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite, bisisodecyloxy-pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite, tristearyl sorbitol triphosphite, tetrakis (2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) 4,4′-biphenylene-diphosphonite, 6-isooctyloxy-2,4,8,10-tetra-tert-butyl-dibenzo[d,f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepin, 6-fluoro-2,4,8, 10-tetra-tert-butyl-12-methyl-dibenzo[d,g][1,3,2]dioxaphosphocin, bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl) methyl phosphite, bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl) ethyl phosphite, 2,2′,2″-nitrilo[triethyltris(3,3′5,5′-tetra-tert-butyl-1,1′-biphenyl-2,2′-diyl)phosphite], bis(2,4-di-t-butylphenyl) octylphosphite, poly(4,4′-{2,2′-dimethyl-5,5′-di-t-butylphenylsulfide-}octylphosphite), poly(4,4′{-isopropylidenediphenol}-octylphosphite), poly(4,4′-{isopropylidenebis[2,6-dibromophenol]}-octylphosphite), poly(4,4′-{2,2′-dimethyl-5,5′-di-t-butylphenylsulfide}-pentaerythrityl diphosphite),


19. A composition according to claim 8 further comprising tris(nonylphenyl) phosphite or tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite.
 20. A process for stabilizing a polyolefin composition against the deleterious effects of melt processing, heat aging and exposure to combustion products of natural gas, which process comprises incorporating into or applying to said polyolefin composition an effective stabilizing amount of one or more mono-, bis- or tris-nonylcyclohexylphosphite esters of the formula I, I, III or IV according to claim
 1. 